MSCAN caught up with Prof H Peter Soyer, from The University of Queensland, to find out more about the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID) project, and what it means for melanoma and skin cancer patients.

What is the Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID)?

The ACEMID project is the largest Australian clinical imaging trial ever undertaken in skin cancer with 15,000 participants, over 45 researchers, 2 consumer advocacy organisations (MSCAN & Melanoma Patients Australia) and several independent consumer representatives, involved. It’s led by three universities including The University of Queensland, Monash University and University of Sydney. The project is a ground-breaking $10M research project funded by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) with the ultimate goal developing next generation melanoma and skin cancer diagnosis. There are currently 11 of 15 sites established, with telemedicine linking urban, regional, and rural hospitals.

The ACEMID project is the only 3D imaging research project for melanoma and skin cancer underway in Australia and the largest worldwide. 3D total body photography allows clinicians and researchers to accurately capture the whole skin surface including the face (except soles of feet, scalp and areas covered by clothing). When a person is standing in the 3D imaging machine, cameras instantaneously take 92 photos at once and generate a 3D total body avatar, with the images safely stored and able to be assessed by  clinicians. We envision 3D total body photography will significantly improve identification and tracking of skin spots or moles, thus, becoming vital for improved prognosis.

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What does the project aim to achieve and what does it mean for patients? (ie. what problem are you looking to solve?)

There are a few key aims to this research project. Firstly, to implement 15 x 3D total body photography machines across Australia for the monitoring of skin spots or moles and the early detection of skin cancer. The ultimate goal from this is to improve our understanding of the skin surface and pigmented lesions over time, our diagnostic capabilities and accuracy, and ultimately utilise artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, once proven. These technologies can help advise a doctor to make an informed diagnosis. This research looks to improve the early detection of skin cancer and melanoma and to reduce the overall number of advanced melanoma cases, saving not only lives but up to $162 million each year (based on 50% reduction of Stage III & IV cases). Furthermore, this project increases awareness about the benefits of using total body photography to both clinicians and the general population. Finally, it allows us to provide the Australian population the opportunity to use new photo documentation technology whilst also contributing to ground-breaking skin cancer research.

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Who can participate in the research, and how can I find out more?

To be eligible to participate participants must be over 18 and have a regular medical practitioner; this could be either a general practitioner, skin specialist or dermatologist. We currently have over 12,000 people on our waitlists so due to the large volume of interest, please be patient with us as we make our way through contacting everyone. For this study we are looking to enrol a range of individuals with varying melanoma risk.

To find out more, or to register your interest, visit: acemid.org.au

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Can you tell me more about artificial intelligence and how this could be used in the future for early detection?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology application where computers can perform tasks or make predictions which would commonly require human interaction or intelligence. The images captured within the ACEMID project may be used to develop AI algorithms for the detection of skin cancers, or other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. This would be done by analysing the photos of 15,000 participants to find common patterns in skin lesions which indicate possible skin cancers or melanomas. Therefore, the future of early detection could involve skin checks that utilise 3D total body photography which are in turn analysed by AI to highlight any suspicious lesion.

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Where do you see the future of early detection for melanoma and skin cancer?

The ACEMID project is working towards a targeted, national melanoma screening program. The future of early detection for melanoma and skin cancer may involve screening schedules tailored to individuals based on their own personal risk of developing skin cancer. These screening schedules could differ in frequency and type of imaging used. In addition to this, the developing technologies of photo documentation, teledermatology, AI, and apps used for patient self-examination and raising awareness, could be utilised alongside clinical skin examinations to accurately detect and diagnose skin cancers and melanomas. Furthermore, using a variety of digital technologies will help in the movement towards equity of health care across Australia. As individuals in rural/remote areas would be able to access dermatological services digitally rather than having to be screened in person, this could improve their chances for earlier detection of skin cancer. Overall, improvements in early detection pathways could vastly reduce the economic burden on the Australian healthcare system but most importantly save many lives.